A man was found dead at a south Indianapolis Planet Fitness, prompting an investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). The deceased, identified as 39-year-old Derek E. Sink, was discovered yesterday morning inside the gym located on Hardegan Street, according to a police report referenced by FOX59. As of now, detectives haven't suggested whether they suspect foul play in his death.
Further unsettling details emerged as family members confirmed to WTHR that Sink was last seen entering a tanning bed on Friday, and was subsequently found dead in the same location yesterday. They also mentioned that Sink had struggled with drugs, and a needle was purportedly found in the tanning room. Sink, who was reported missing on Friday, wore an ankle monitor that indicated he had not left the gym premises.
A Planet Fitness patron that day, Elizabeth Len, reported a foul smell inside the facility, "The tanning bed has a door, I believe, but still, why are we not concerned that the tanning bed has been closed for three days, potentially?" Len questioned, in a statement to WTHR. The family of the deceased hopes this incident will lead to more stringent policies for staff checklists and cleanliness in the gym to avoid future tragedies.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the cause of Sink's death, details remain limited as the investigation by IMPD continues. Planet Fitness, for their part, has stated they are delving into the incident alongside the local franchise owner. The gym also noted, without elaboration, that tanning services are temporarily unavailable, as reported by WRTV.
